Reminiscing Pre-Ondoy...

Exactly a year ago, Metro Manila residents woke up to a rainy morning not knowing that something extraordinary will happen later that day.  I, on the other hand, was almost tempted not to attend my 7am class that day.  But then, just thinking of my favorite teacher (hi Mr. Jovy! harharhar!), made me jumped from my bed, rushed to school and took my teacher's challenge (well, that's another story).

It was almost 1130am when we received an announcement that classes will be suspended effective 12nn.  Since our teacher gave all kinds of lame alibis he could think of just to excuse him from giving us a lecture, we were idle for more than an hour while impatiently waiting for class dismissal.

At noontime, I decided to take my lunch at KFC-Guadalupe before going home.  I was supposed to meet a friend at SM Mall of Asia but at the last minute, I backed out.  Aside from the bad weather, I was restless as I slept late the night before and woke up so early that morning.  Hence, what I desperately needed at that moment was, SLEEP.

Guess what happened on my way home? Stay tuned! :)

Looking Forward To It

Just yesterday, my officemate announced that this coming weekend, SM Mall of Asia (MOA) will be having a big sale.  I was sad that I wouldn't be around to splurge, and at the same time, enjoy the adrenaline rush of finding great bargains.  Because of that, I wasn't even interested last night to check on the print ad conspicuously posted at the activity area of MOA.

However, this morning I found out that the sale is scheduled next week yet.  Hmm... I'll make sure I (and my credit cards, of course! hahaha!) will be available by then. :)

What's Wrong?

image source: ehow.com

I was at BDO SM Mall of Asia last night.  At the last minute, I decided to open an account but was hesitant since it was already closing time.  It was already 7pm then.  But still, I tried.  Surprisingly, the New Accounts Officer politely and patiently accommodated me. I looked around and realized that I was the only client left inside the bank.

Then I remember about a week ago, I went to LBP-Baclaran and tried to open an account.  The New Accounts Officer there rudely explained that I need to show proof that I work nearby.  Since I did not bring any documents then other than my company ID and I didn't have any patience and time to argue with her, I didn't insist.  I noticed though, that while waiting for my turn, that New Accounts Officer was frowning all the time.  I took pity for other clients who transacted with her and opted to be her "helpless victim"... Nevertheless,  I just restrained myself from complaining her unjust act to the bank manager.

With what happened last night at BDO, I could not help but compare the services between the former and LBP-Baclaran.  I could also recall the time when I went to Metrobank and made some requests which the Officer cordially granted.

Question:  What's wrong?  Is that the way government employees deal with their clients?  I would understand if one transacted with local government unit and national agency employees, that's just the way it goes and we could not do something about it (unless a miracle happens).  But from government-owned and controlled corporations (GOCCs), a bank at that, where's the professionalism and corporate image that they are trying to project?  I'm just wondering...

It's Another Long Weekend Ahead

Photo source: makli.com

It was only yesterday when I asked my officemates when would the next non-working holiday be.  We were thinking of the coming barangay elections that we forgot about the "Eid ul- Fitr" or the festivities for the end of Ramadan.

Malacañang has just announced that September 10 is a non-working holiday in observance of the end of Muslims' holy month of fasting.

Although I am thankful that President Aquino signed Proclamation 26 for the said holiday, I am still disappointed that he did not declare August 23 as a non-working holiday.

The past is haunting me! Or am I?  Hehehe

So, Is It Effective?

I was surprised when Ann, my beautiful cousin (next to me, of course! hahaha!), asked me if the Extreme Power Saver, which I previously posted in this blog, is really effective.  I didn't realize somebody is interested to know about it.  Anyway, shown below is the screenshot of my recent billing history and consumption graph.  You be the judge:

Well, here's a short explanation of my consumption.  Since I bought the Extreme Power Saver sometime after I received my May 2010 bill, I decided to maximize the use of my aircon.  There my power usage increased to 101 kilowatt hours in June 2010.  Just when I decided to start saving energy, my mama visited me and stayed for three weeks at home. Of course, I gave her all the convenience that she needed even if it means increased electric cost.

It was only after mama left for Surigao that I was able to lessen my electric consumption.  Hence, that explains the sudden drop of my MERALCO due in August.  Now, I don't know if the Extreme Power Saver has something to do with it.  Again, you be the judge... :)

I'm Glad We Didn't Make It

Photo source: goway.com

About two months ago, my sister prodded me to check on the rates for a Hongkong holiday package tour.  Our travel was supposed to be scheduled either at the end of August or 1st half of September.  I even inquired thru my fellow blogger, nikki, who had recently been in Hongkong, about the cost.  She was kind enough to provide me the needed information including the contact no. of her travel agency.

However, the time in our hands was not sufficient for us to properly plan and prepare for the family trip.  I, on the other hand, was not so keen on applying for another vacation leave as I have tons of workload impatiently waiting for me at the office.

Then, it happened.  The August 23 hijacking incident at Quirino Grandstand.  Days after, we watched and listened to various horror stories about how emotional was some of the Chinese that they turned their outrage to the Filipinos in Hongkong.

So sad.  Selfish as one might think, I'm just thankful that my family and I were not able to make it to Hongkong.. :)

Public Humiliation...

Imagine that you are being reprimanded in public.  What would you feel?  Even parents are not advised to do that to their kids.  What more if it comes from somebody else?  Worse, what if the reason he/she was angry about is too shallow?  Would you accept that?  You could not help but think that the motive for his/her childish outburst is just to show off to the public that he/she has POWER over you.

I have seen that scene before.. in schools, offices, and other public places.  I feel sorry for the victim but indifferent for the aggressor, who, by the way is what I described as, insensitive, immature, and abusive of his/her authority over his/her prey.  I guess that makes him/her happy... for what?  For being able to get back at someone else, for he/she himself/herself had been a victim before (or maybe he/she is still suffering at present)?  Probably...

Then maybe he/she would have understood what the victim went through as it surely affects one's self-esteem, self-worth, respect, etc. etc.  and of course, what about DIGNITY?

What if it happens to me... again?  Of course, it happened to me before but it was many, many years ago.  I was still too young to defend myself..

But if it will happen to me again, I don't know what I am going to do.  I just don't want to become the real bitch that I am preventing myself to be.  God help me...